Time capsule records pupils school memories

CHILDREN at a new school have sent a message to future pupils by burying a time capsule.

The founding pupils of Ark Academy, in Wembley, who joined in September 2008, are now finishing year one, and put together their time capsule to commemorate the building of their new school.

The capsule contains a copy of the school prospectus, photographs of pupils and the school being built, plus letters written by each pupil describing their memories.

The capsule will by opened in 2022, when the founding pupils will finish their time at the academy. The school teaches pupils between three and 18.

Jacqueline Steele, headteacher of the primary school, said: "It's been thrilling watching our new school go up. Before the new building opens in September we wanted our founding pupils to celebrate their special connections with Ark Academy.

"They have all visited the new site and are very excited about moving into the brand new building with its amazing facilities and setting. Writing about their special memories since they arrived gave them chance to reflect on their academy life to date and the experiences they have shared together."

Ark Academy opened in September 2008 admitting just reception classes. It will be admitting its first year seven secondary pupils in September. Hadeal Abdelatti and Justas Kaminskas, both aged six, laid the time capsule in its resting place with academy principal, Delia Smith.

She said: "It has been amazing watching the builders create a school as we were recruiting teachers and creating a curriculum beside them. Over the past few weeks we've been meeting the 180 pupils who will join us in year seven in September. In a few weeks time we will open our wonderful new academy and all the staff are as enthusiastic and excited as the pupils."